Franklin has not been shy about discussing Paterno, praising the late coach several times during his introductory press conference. Franklin also noted the relationship he developed with Sue Paterno during a coaches trip sponsored by Nike.

"Honored to be joining a long line of great coaches with Bob Higgins, Rip Engle, the great Joe Paterno, success with honor," Franklin said earlier this month. "The great Joe Paterno and success with honor."

Franklin later added that he has "tremendous respect for Joe Paterno and what he did here and how he built this program."

A vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday night at the Suzanne Pohland Catholic Student Faith Center on Penn State's campus. In addition, a group is collecting is collecting quotes about Paterno and donations to Penn State's Dance Marathon.